Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jan 31: Former Prime Minister and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda on Monday January 31 inaugurated the seventh centenary celebrations of Sri Madhwacharya at Sri Krishna Math here.

Addressing the gathering, Deve Gowda said, "Sri Madhwacharya showed the way by developing a whole new perspective and vision at a time when there were conflicts between different philosophies in India.

"When I had been to Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji invited me to this programme, and I gladly agreed," he added.

"Unfortunately, no one in the political or administrative sphere is following the principles of Sri Krishna," he lamented.

Pejawar Swamiji in his address said, "Devotion to god and fulfilment of one's duty in this world are the two principles that Madhwacharya preached. One should perform one's duty with devotion, if not, it leads to corruption. No matter what work we do, we have to always worship god. Everyone, irrespective of caste or religion, can attain salvation through sincere devotion. Mere knowledge and rituals will not lead to salvation. Madhwacharya stressed on serving the society as being mandatory to achieve salvation."

Sri Vishwaprasannateertha Swamiji, Bannanje Raghavendrateertha Swamiji, Vishwagurupriyateertha Swamiji from Bengaluru, JD(S) chief secretary B M Farooque and others were present.